At the bookshop, Don Anacleto finishes recounting the neighborhood scandal: Don Federico Flavià has been dumped at home by police in brutal condition. Merceditas and Fermín argue over whether the attackers are “evil” or simply “moronic,” while Daniel’s father tries to keep the peace and sends Fermín to check on Don Federico and see what he needs.

After the others leave, Daniel’s unease spikes and Daniel tells Daniel’s father about Inspector Fumero’s earlier visit to the shop and the threats Daniel received. Daniel’s father listens, angry but controlled, and insists Daniel is not to blame; Daniel’s father also orders Daniel to say nothing to Fermín, fearing Fermín’s reaction and trying to keep Fermín out of further danger.

Trying to shift the mood, Daniel’s father talks business and then pointedly gives Daniel free time, clearly encouraging Daniel to see Bea Aguilar. Daniel insists Bea is not Daniel’s girlfriend, but Daniel’s father doubles down by arranging to leave Fermín in charge so both Daniel and Daniel’s father can be “out” for the afternoon.

Fermín returns from visiting Don Federico and reports that neighborhood women are caring for him; a doctor has found broken ribs and severe injuries. Fermín, furious, names Fumero as the target of his rage, but Daniel’s father forbids any retaliation. Fermín adds that Pepita is coping with “courage,” though heavily sedated by neighbors’ brandy.

With hours before meeting Bea, Daniel follows a lead and goes to Plaza de San Felipe Neri to find Nuria Monfort. After confirming Nuria’s name on the building’s letterboxes and a brief encounter with a suspicious neighbor, Daniel recognizes Nuria seated in the square. Daniel introduces himself and tells Nuria the truth: Daniel found a Julián Carax novel in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books and knows Nuria hid it to save it from Laín Coubert; shaken but resigned, Nuria asks after her father and then brings Daniel upstairs to talk privately.